FROM Northern Ireland’s most experienced player to its least, it proved to be a memorable international debut for Dion Charles.

The Accrington Stanley striker made his Northern Ireland bow against the USA on Sunday wearing number eight - a shirt made famous by Steven Davis who equalled Peter Shilton’s record of 125 international appearances in the World Cup qualifier against Italy.

Charles will hand the shirt back to his national skipper but he will be hoping to take to the pitch alongside Davis in tomorrow’s qualifier against Bulgaria having impressed in his cameo off the bench in the 2-1 defeat.

Charles admitted it was an incredible moment for him.

“Unbelievably proud, it was incredible I loved every single minute of it,” said Charles.

“To actually make my senior international debut is incredible.

“I walked in to the changing room and seen it (the number eight shirt with his name on) and I was like ‘wow’. All the lads were like that number has been Davis’ for about 20 years! So it is incredible to make my debut with such a special number and I think I good picture of how I play to all the fans who were watching.”

Charles, who twice tested Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen in the friendly at Windsor Park, looked unfazed by the step up to international football.

And he is hoping he has impressed Northern Ireland boss Ian Baraclough.

“That is what I do every week, try to get the ball on the half turn and get shots off early. That is the hard bit done, making your debut getting the trust from the manager,” he said.

“I think I gave a good account of myself of what I can do.”